Childcare Choices in the UK, a complete guide for parents

As a parent, your child’s well-being is always a top priority, and that includes making sure they receive the best care possible. But, with numerous childcare options and financial support schemes available, navigating what’s available can be a bit overwhelming.

The cost of childcare can put a strain on families’ budgets. In fact, it’s a frequent topic of discussion on our Talk boards, with users often questioning whether it’s worth returning to work given the current costs of childcare. As one Mumsnet user explains:

“[It] may be too soon to be thinking, but our childcare fees are going to be almost £800 a month and I only earn £1100 at most a month. Is it worth it?”

A recent survey by Mumsnet revealed that since the beginning of 2023, our Talk boards had over 100 million pageviews related to childcare conversations by our users - a testament to how important and widespread this topic is among parents and families in the UK. In fact, the survey found that 66% of working parents with a child aged 0 to 12 years old are on the lookout for childcare support.

Now, we know there are financial support options out there, but some simply don’t know what support they might be eligible for. So, in this guide, we break down the different types of childcare schemes available in the UK to help you better understand what financial support you may be entitled to. 

From the brand new 15 hours for eligible working parents with two-year-olds to Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare, we cover all the details you need to know in order to make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your family.

What is Childcare Choices?

Childcare Choices brings together all the financial support available to parents in one place, helping families across the UK to find out what support is on offer for them.

Many families may be missing out because they are unaware that they qualify for financial support. 

And after the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, revealed in his 2023 spring budget that he was bringing in changes to support from 2024, even more working parents will benefit as childcare support is rolled out to children as young as nine months.

The support is not just limited to nurseries or childminders. For families who require wraparound care, support may also be available for breakfast clubs, after-school activities, holiday clubs, and play schemes. 

The Childcare Choices website allows you to enter your details and find advice on the support you might be entitled to. It also offers clear advice on how to apply and you can subscribe to their newsletter for regular updates on upcoming changes.

What childcare schemes currently exist in England?

In England, there are several government funding schemes available to help families with childcare costs, including: 

• 15 hours childcare

• 30 hours childcare

• Tax-Free childcare

• Universal Credit Childcare

All childcare schemes are designed to give families a helping hand with costs, making it easier for parents to work while making sure their children get the best care available. 

“Help towards childcare costs has allowed me to stay employed and also grow in my role”, says one Mumsnet user.

“Since returning to work in 2021 after maternity leave, my salary has increased, I’ve taken on training and I’ve learnt so much more than would be possible if I hadn’t returned to work. It also allows me to have interaction with other adults and feel that I’m using my brain and skills!”

It’s worth mentioning that not all of the above offers are available everywhere in the UK. So, if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can find information about similar schemes on the website. 

Childcare changes for 2024 and 2025

There are significant changes to childcare support coming into place over the next 18 months, starting from April, that aim to support working parents of preschoolers to juggle work and family life and not have to choose between being a parent and the job they want.

Here’s a snapshot of what is coming: 

From April 2024 – 15 hours childcare for 2 year olds

If you are an eligible working parent in England, you might benefit from 15 hours childcare for children aged two or who turn two before 31^st March. With this scheme you can get 15 hours* per week for 38 weeks of the year (up to 570 hours), though many providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ your hours across more weeks to give you more flexibility. This financial support can start the term after your child turns two with an approved childcare provider.

You can still get 15 hours childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Childcare Vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare, meaning you could save even more money

Applications for this support are now open and the first intake of two year olds will start their childcare hours from April 2024.  This means that families can already apply to get a code for this scheme and give it to their childcare provider. You will need to reconfirm your details every three months on your gov.uk account to continue receiving the government support. 

Related: Take our quiz to discover what childcare you may be eligible for

How to apply for 15 hours childcare

1. Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what support you could be eligible for, using out handy checker 

2. Find a nursery school place or registered childminder near you that meets your needs

3. Check your eligibility for additional help when paying for childcare, including Tax-Free Childcare, tax credits and Universal Credit

4. Apply online at GOV.UK

Remember, you’ll need to update your details on your GOV.UK account if your circumstances change and you’re receiving tax credits or Universal Credit. If you already have a Tax-Free Childcare account and have recently reconfirmed your eligibility, read this Education Hub blog for more information.

From September 2024 - 15 hours childcare from nine months

If you are an eligible working parent in England, you might  be able to claim for 15 hours for children aged between 9 and 23 months old. 

From September 2025 - 30 hours childcare from nine months

If you are an eligible working parent in England, you might be able to claim for 30 hours for children aged from 9 months old up to school age.

30 hours childcare for three and four year olds

• Working families with three and four year olds in England, extending to children from 9 months in September 2025

• Each parent earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours/week at national minimum wage but under £100,000 adjusted net income/year

Eligible working families in England with three and four year olds can get 30 hours childcare or early education each week for 38 weeks of the year. That is a total of 1,140 hours per year that can be used flexibly across one or more approved childcare providers. Your chosen childcare provider may also allow you to ‘stretch’ your hours over the year to cover holidays.

Your eligibility depends on whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director), your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one), your child’s age and circumstances surrounding your immigration status.

If you're not working but your partner is, you may still be eligible if you receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Limited Capability for Work Benefit or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

You can still get 30 hours childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Childcare Vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare, meaning you could save even more money.

Your child must live with you to claim the hours and you must have a National Insurance number and at least one of the below:

• British or Irish citizenship.

• Settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you’re waiting for a decision.

• Permission to access public funds. Your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this.

How to apply for 30 hours childcare

1. Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what support you could be eligible for, using out handy checker 

2. Find a nursery school place or registered childminder near you that meets your needs

3. Check your eligibility for additional help when paying for childcare, including Tax-Free Childcare, tax credits and Universal Credit

4. Apply online at GOV.UK

Other childcare support available

Alongside the 15 and 30 hour schemes explained above, there are other forms of government childcare support available for families (that can also be used for wraparound care for your primary school age children should you need it). 

Tax-Free Childcare

Eligible working families can use Tax-Free Childcare to help with childcare costs for school holiday clubs, breakfast or after school clubs, childminders or nurseries. It provides working families with up to £2,000 a year per child off their childcare bills for children up to the age of 11, or £4,000 a year up to the age of 16 if their child has a disability.

For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive a top up from the government of £2. Using the tax-free top up, your family can save up to £500 every three months for each child or £1,000 if your child is disabled.

Universal Credit 

This offer applies to eligible working parents claiming Universal Credit in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. You can qualify if your child is 17 and under. Parents need to be working or fall under one of the allowable exceptions. This offer enables parents to claim back up to 85% of childcare costs. For parents about to start work or increase their hours, upfront support is also available.

Find out more about your eligibility and how to apply at GOV.UK

To find out more about what childcare offers are available, your eligibility and how to apply for these schemes, visit GOV.UK or the Childcare Choices website and explore the options available to you. It's important to make an informed decision about the schemes that work best for your family's needs and budget.

*15 hours childcare is also available to:

• all families in England with 3 and 4 year olds

• families in England with a 2 year old and who receive some additional forms of government support